Developing a microneedle patch to prevent HIV transmission in breastfeeding infants.
Official title: Advancing Multi-bNAbs Microneedle Patch Technology For HIV-1 Prevention in Breastfeeding Infants.
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11009257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use microneedle patch that delivers special antibodies to help prevent HIV from being passed from mothers to their babies during breastfeeding, making it a simpler and safer option for moms to protect their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | August 29, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $807,257 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI186784-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include breastfeeding infants at risk of HIV exposure due to their mothers' untreated or undiagnosed HIV status.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breastfeeding or those whose mothers are not living with HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a user-friendly microneedle patch that delivers broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to infants during breastfeeding. The approach aims to improve adherence and reduce side effects compared to current antiretroviral therapies, which can be difficult for mothers to manage. By using a transdermal delivery system, the patch seeks to provide a more effective and accessible option for HIV prophylaxis in newborns at risk of infection. The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of this innovative delivery method in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rates of HIV transmission in breastfeeding infants, improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using broadly neutralizing antibodies for HIV prevention, but this specific microneedle patch approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doncel, Gustavo F. — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Doncel, Gustavo F.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Breastfeeding support to reduce obesity risk in children
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Transdermal HIV prevention for breastfeeding infants using bnAbs on a patch
A child-focused HIV prevention approach uses a patch to deliver protective antibodies through the skin to babies who are breastfed.
-
Breastfeeding, Microbiome, and Early-Life Respiratory Health
A study to see how a baby’s gut and nose bacteria, influenced by breastfeeding, relate to the risk of chest infections and asthma as they grow.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.